10 November 2023: Students from the Natural Resources Management (NRM) program at the School of Environment, Resources, and Development, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), conducted a field visit to Nakhon Ratchasima Province on 8–9 November 2023.
During the visit, students performed forest inventory and biodiversity measurements, including tree measurements (DBH and height) at the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve. Using advanced tools like drones and software such as Google Earth Engine, they calculated carbon stock and applied lessons from their “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services” and “Forestry and REDD+” courses.
Additionally, students measured species richness and evenness and learned to set appropriate plot sizes for effective data collection. This hands-on experience allowed them to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. They also engaged in birdwatching and nighttime exploration of nocturnal insects.
Over the two-day visit, the students explored the dry evergreen, and deciduous forests through nature hikes, learning about wild animals, local herbs, and wild plants. They also participated in cultural activities, such as making tie-dye fabrics, tasting forest fruit juice, and enjoying traditional desserts.
These immersive experiences enabled the students to gather data, analyze drone images, and evaluate their findings, effectively bringing classroom knowledge into the field and enhancing their learning through real-world application.
